Routine Proceedings / Committee Reports

Government response, time limit for tabling

Debates p. 11301

Background

On March 6, 1986, Mr. Kaplan (York Centre) rose on a point of order relating to the Fourth Report of the Standing Joint Committee on Regulations and Other Statutory Instruments, tabled October 17, 1985. Mr. Kaplan pointed out that the Committee had requested a comprehensive response, which according to the Standing Orders should have been tabled within 120 days of the report being presented. The Speaker reserved his ruling.

Issue

Does the failure of the Government to table a response to a committee report within 120 days constitute a breach of the Standing Orders?

Decision

Yes. The Member raised a valid point of order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

When so requested by a committee, a comprehensive response should be tabled by the Government within 120 days of the presentation of the committee's report. While there is no remedy provided by the Standing Orders, this ruling will serve to draw this breach to the attention of the Minister responsible.

(The Minister tabled a response immediately after the ruling.)

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Sources cited

Standing Order 99(2).

References

Debates, March 6, 1986, p. 11235.